The Pure Nintendo team is back with our latest playlist! This week, we’ve been engaging in some serious tactical gameplay, since Fire Emblem Engage is due for release this week. There are many titles in the long history of this series, making it hard to choose a favorite. I’m sure a few of us will have the latest entry in our playlists this time next week.

Of course, Pokémon still features strongly, with both of 2022’s big hitters. Arceus and Violet, doing the rounds. These games are sure to stick around a little while longer thanks to their open-world nature coupled with the need to catch ’em all, naturally.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty of roguelike love in the form of Bravery and Greed, and Lone Ruin. Picross puzzles are also back en vogue (did they ever really leave?). Meanwhile, a couple of interesting platformers like The Knight Witch and Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider feature in our list – not to mention the king of platformers, Mario himself.

If you’re looking for gaming inspiration, check out what the Pure Nintendo team is playing lately in our playlist below. More importantly, what’s on your playlist? Let us know in the comments section.

Pure Nintendo playlist

Nyleak

  • Splatoon 3 (Switch) – I’m still playing this religiously, because I have a problem. I have to say, the last splatfest was crazy though. I chose team Spicy, but team Sour along with Spicy was absolutely obliterated by team Sweet. I wish there was a team Salty cause that’s how I felt lol.
  • Picross 8 (Switch) – I love picross. When I played my 3DS religiously I had a whole folder of every picross game that had been released. Now i’m getting back into it, on my Switch.

Cody

  • Pokémon Violet (Switch) – I’m getting ready to battle the Elite Four. So far I’ve enjoyed the open world aspect and variety of pokemon types in this game. The hardest part for me is deciding which 6 I want to use from my party!
  • The Knight Witch (Switch) – This is a really fun Metroidvania that I just did a review on. I really enjoy the creativity of each level and the gameplay as a whole.
  • Mario Kart 64 (Switch) – Over the holidays I went down a speed run rabbit hole for this game on youtube. Let’s just say I need a lot more work.

Trev

  • Pokémon Legends: Arceus (Switch) – Still plugging away at my GOTY runner-up. My wife already beat it (as has her Pokedex almost finished), but I’ve still got a ways to go.
  • Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider (Switch) – This was released a few days ago, and I should have my review finished soon. It’s the sort of game that thrills me one minute, only to disappoint me the next.

Kirk

  • Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (3DS) – It’s Fire Emblem Engage week, and that means it’s time to get back into practice. Although Shadow Dragon isn’t the best entry in the series, its straightforward approach to combat and story makes it more enjoyable to replay than Awakening or Fates. Also, the battle maps are much better than in any FE game we’ve had since.
  • Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (Wii) – I’d rather this be Path of Radiance, honestly, but GameCube games don’t run on my Wii U. Hopefully 2023 is the year we finally get Switch ports or remasters of Ike’s saga. The FE newbies need to learn what real Fire Emblem games are all about!
  • Onion Assault (Switch) – Pure Nintendo duties call, after all. This is a forthcoming platformer from the developer of Mechstermination Force and Gunman Clive, so you know it’s one to get excited about.

Jemma

  • Pokémon Violet (Switch) – I cannot get enough of this game! I’ve been sinking a lot of time into this open-world adventure over the holidays, now with 11 out of 18 badges.
  • Melatonin (Switch) – I’m currently enjoying this intresting rythm-based title set in a world of dreams. It’s a fun and humorus way to think about sleep, that’s for sure. There are plenty of accessibility options as well, which is a nice touch.
  • Lone Ruin (Switch) – My next review game is a twin-stick shooter with roguelike elements. Watch for my upcoming review!
  • Super Mario Party (Switch) – Summer holidays (I’m from Australia, remember?) means party games! And this is one of my faves. We still have one character to unlock, so we’re working on that at the moment.
  • New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (Switch) – This platformer is in my most-played Switch games list for a reason; my family and I restarted for the umpteenth time because, well, we love it! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it’s time for a new Mario platformer, please!
  • Bravery and Greed (Switch) – I reviewed this just last week, and really enjoyed it. The graphics are gerat and the combat satisfying, with a fantasy setting full of monsters and treasure. Check out my review for the full story.